Deion Sanders predicts son Shedeur will start for Browns this season
Hall of Famer says his quarterback will eventually get a shot in Cleveland as Cleveland navigates a 1-2 start and a developing depth chart behind Joe Flacco
Deion Sanders has predicted that his son, Shedeur Sanders, will start for the Cleveland Browns at some point during the 2025 season, a view he shared on the New Heights podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce. The hall of fame cornerback-turned-coach said he has a sense of when the moment will come, though he did not specify a date. The remark comes as Cleveland continues to sort its quarterback situation behind an aging veteran and a rookie signal-caller who impressed in the preseason but has yet to seize a long-term role.
Shedeur Sanders remains third on the Browns’ quarterback depth chart, behind veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel, selected in the 2025 draft’s second round, earned the backup job after preseason evaluations, while Flacco has operated as the team's starter early this season. Cleveland’s arrangement reflects a longer-term plan to develop Shedeur while using Flacco as a stopgap as the young players gain experience. Through three games, Cleveland is 1-2, with its defense drawing consistent praise even as the offense has struggled at times to sustain drives and convert in key moments.
Cleveland drafted Shedeur with the goal of nurturing him toward a long-term starter role, especially if the Browns believe Gabriel is ahead of him on the current depth chart. Stefanski has publicly indicated that no quarterback change is imminent, keeping the rotation in place as the season unfolds. The club’s early results have not produced a stable rhythm on offense, but the defense has remained among the league’s best, providing a foundation as new quarterback options wait for opportunities.
In discussing the draft-night drama, Sanders also touched on the interest his son drew from other teams. He said both the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles showed interest in Shedeur before the Browns selected him, and he indicated that Shedeur told Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome he was unlikely to sit behind Lamar Jackson for an extended period. Those comments added another layer to the ongoing narrative about where Shedeur might fit in the NFL long term and how teams evaluate the timing of a quarterback’s ascent.
The elder Sanders also referenced conversations with colleagues and media chatter about his son’s readiness. He noted that the quarterback room in Cleveland was designed to be a developmental path, with Flacco providing veteran presence while Gabriel remains in the rookie-learning phase. The coaching staff has emphasized patience as Shedeur continues to grow, and the Browns have stressed that there is no rush to a rapid decision that could disrupt the team’s trajectory this season.
Another recent talking point tied to Shedeur’s talent came from former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, who discussed the Eagles’ reported pursuit of the college-to-pro prospect. Newton’s comments added to a broader dialogue about how teams evaluate a quarterback who slid in the draft and the potential for a late-blooming case study in Cleveland. While Newton’s perspective drew attention, Browns officials have focused on the immediate task of managing a season in progress, with the goal of molding a player they believe can contribute down the line.
As the Browns navigate this season, the expectation remains that Shedeur will be groomed for the future while the present demands leadership from Flacco and Gabriel. The organization’s approach is consistent with a longer timeline for development, and Deion Sanders’ confidence in his son’s eventual opportunity underscores the broader narrative about his prospects at the NFL level. Whether that moment arrives this season depends on a combination of performance, health, and how quickly the coaching staff determines that Shedeur is ready to win meaningful reps in real-game situations.
The Browns’ 2025 campaign has featured a mix of cautious development and competitive resilience. Cleveland’s defense has anchored performances, and the offense has shown flashes, but consistency remains elusive. If Shedeur’s path follows the pattern teams have mapped for similar prospects, a gradual progression through reps in practice and in limited game action could set the stage for a future starting run that aligns with the team’s long-term plans. For now, the quote-and-context cycle surrounding Shedeur’s NFL future continues, with Deion Sanders’ public confidence serving as a notable element of the narrative.
